Museum of American Glass hosting inaugural paperweight forum

WESTON, W.Va. – The first session of an educational and networking collective of people interested in American-made paperweights, old and new, will be held March 31, 2012, at the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia (MAG) located at 230 Main Street in Weston.

The American Paperweight Circle hosts a free public show and exhibition in Weston, W.Va., March 31.

The American Paperweight Circle is not a club, for it will not collect dues or have officers. Rather it is a forum for paperweight enthusiasts to share educational information, learn from one another, learn about paperweight makers and offer opportunities to interact with and purchase weights from dealers and manufacturers. In short, the Museum seeks to promote collecting and appreciation of American-made paperweights. The event is free and open to the public.

Inspiration for the Circle was prompted by the October 2011 closing of the Degenhart Paperweight & Glass Museum in Cambridge, Ohio and the subsequent relocation of over 650 Midwestern weights to MAG which already had several hundred. The combination of these collections now makes one that ranks with the Bergstrom, Corning and Wheaton museum collections for variety and quality of American paperweights.

This first-time event begins with sales and exhibits from 10 a.m. to noon, then affordable lunch on-site (reservations required), and programs and networking in the afternoon.

Set-up for sale or exhibit by makers or dealers is free, but tables must be reserved in advance. Call Sharon at the Museum noon-4 p.m. any day except Wednesday or Sunday, 304-269-5006, for more information.